Purdy senior Cody Hall.
One year after going 17-9 under second year head coach Tommy Egan, Purdy will have to replace four seniors (three who were full-time starters), including first-team all-conference selection Landon Terry.
Terry was a three-year starter at Purdy and averaged better than 17 points per game. The Eagles also lose Kevin Miller, who Egan called the team's best post defender and was also its leading rebounder.
Also gone is starting point guard T.J. Farris and Riley Vieth, who was a started before suffering an injury.
But several of the Eagles' conference opponents said never fear, the Class 1 school still has the makings of a conference power.
One rival coach said even though Purdy will have to replace Terry and four seniors, the Eagles are likely to have an even deeper team this year, a great advantage for a team that likes to get up and down the floor.
Purdy brings back six players who saw extensive varsity action a year ago, as well as its second, third and fourth-leading scorers. In addition, as many as four players could move up from a solid junior varsity squad as well. Returning this year is Devon Bennett (6-foot, senior). An honorable mention all-conference selection last year, Bennett averaged 10 points per game last year and is one of the conference's top shooters.
"He does a lot for us," Egan said of Bennett. "He plays guard, but can also go inside. He is a real versitale player who does a lot of things well."
Inside, Purdy will rely on 5-foot-11 senior forward Cody Hall who averaged 10 points per game and was the Eagles second-leading rebounder. Although he is undersized, Hall makes up for his lack of height with with his strength and athleticism.
"He is the strongest guy in the conference without a shadow of a doubt, the kid is a monster," White said. "Rebounds ... when he bumps you with his hips, you don't move a step, you move across the lane. He is quick and can run. Just a really good player."
Purdy will also return Drew Williams, a 5-foot-11 senior. A post player before last year, Williams is also one of the team's top shooters, providing the Eagles with an inside-outside presence.
"He is probably our hardest worker and we really expect him to have a breakout year," Egan said.
Egan said the team spent the summer in the weight room preparing for the upcoming season, as well as attending several team camps.
"Summer-wise, this group has probably worked as hard as any group I've coached," Egan said. "We are hoping that will pay off."
Terry was a three-year starter at Purdy and averaged better than 17 points per game. The Eagles also lose Kevin Miller, who Egan called the team's best post defender and was also its leading rebounder.
Also gone is starting point guard T.J. Farris and Riley Vieth, who was a started before suffering an injury.
But several of the Eagles' conference opponents said never fear, the Class 1 school still has the makings of a conference power.
One rival coach said even though Purdy will have to replace Terry and four seniors, the Eagles are likely to have an even deeper team this year, a great advantage for a team that likes to get up and down the floor.
Purdy brings back six players who saw extensive varsity action a year ago, as well as its second, third and fourth-leading scorers. In addition, as many as four players could move up from a solid junior varsity squad as well. Returning this year is Devon Bennett (6-foot, senior). An honorable mention all-conference selection last year, Bennett averaged 10 points per game last year and is one of the conference's top shooters.
"He does a lot for us," Egan said of Bennett. "He plays guard, but can also go inside. He is a real versitale player who does a lot of things well."
Inside, Purdy will rely on 5-foot-11 senior forward Cody Hall who averaged 10 points per game and was the Eagles second-leading rebounder. Although he is undersized, Hall makes up for his lack of height with with his strength and athleticism.
"He is the strongest guy in the conference without a shadow of a doubt, the kid is a monster," White said. "Rebounds ... when he bumps you with his hips, you don't move a step, you move across the lane. He is quick and can run. Just a really good player."
Purdy will also return Drew Williams, a 5-foot-11 senior. A post player before last year, Williams is also one of the team's top shooters, providing the Eagles with an inside-outside presence.
"He is probably our hardest worker and we really expect him to have a breakout year," Egan said.
Egan said the team spent the summer in the weight room preparing for the upcoming season, as well as attending several team camps.
"Summer-wise, this group has probably worked as hard as any group I've coached," Egan said. "We are hoping that will pay off."
SCOUTING REPORT: Purdy likes to play an up-tempo style of play as they spread the court on offense and fullcourt press on defense. With as many as 10-11 players fighting for varsity time this year, Purdy could be even better this season despite losing a key player in Landon Terry.